Grammer #07.

Most people enter marriage through the “in-love” experience, and at its peak it is euphoric. Two people can become almost obsessed with each other. Marriage counselor and author Gary Chapman argues that in-love phase, which he believes usually lasts several months to two years, includes the illusion that beloved is perfect in every aspect that matters. Describing one of his counselees, Jen, he writes: “Her best friend could see the flaws- it bothers her how he talks to her sometimes, but Jen won’t listen”

Marriage is also more inescapable relationship than cohabitation. When unmarried people live together, they certainly see one another “up close,” but each party knows that the other one does not have the same claims on him or her that would be true if they were married. They don’t merge their lives -socially, economically, legally- and so either one can walk away with relatively few complications if they don’t like what they are being told.

Let’s make this really easy to digest. You may be thinking, “But I don’t have an ancient forest or a beach down the block.” No worries. As you’ve discovered, even the smallest addition of greenery can make a big difference. So today I’m going to offer a few options to make sure that, no matter where you go, you’ll be able to join in.